Mobile devices enhance learning among pre-schoolers, study shows

MANILA, Philippines - Mobile devices like computer tablets have enhanced the learning experience for pre-school pupils at Culiat Elementary School, leading to higher level of interest and comprehension among the kids.

This was among the results of the study that was commissioned by wireless leader Smart Communications Inc. to explore the effectiveness of mobile devices like computer tablets as an alternative tool for learning among kindergarten pupils.

The telco, which has been promoting the use of mobile technologies in education, or mEducation, wanted to determine whether or not the use of technology in education at the pre-school level would lead to significant improvement in learning outcomes.

This forms part of the Smart’s mEducation initiatives that seek to enable learning and teaching through the use of mobile education solutions, like tablets, in both classroom and informal learning.

“The study, conducted over a two-month period, confirmed what we knew all along — mobile devices help enhance the cognitive and social skills of the children. The tablets address the kids’ innate desire to learn as well as sustain their interest,” said Ramon Isberto, Smart public affairs head.

“The new gadget, many of them were using for the first time ever, also encouraged interaction among the young students as they share learning experiences with each other and with their teachers,” added Isberto.

As the sample group for the study, Smart chose a kindergarten class from partner-school Culiat Elementary School in Quezon City. Most of the students are from urban poor communities and have not been exposed to devices like tablets.

The computer tablet was identified as an alternative delivery mechanism to help improve learning outcomes among the kindergarten pupils. Traditional delivery mechanisms like books are usually shared among the students. For purposes of the study, one tablet was given to each student to promote individual learning in the appropriately learner-centered manner.

Tablets are not commonly used as an educational tool in Philippine schools because the cost of devices is prohibitive, particularly for poor communities. But barrier to access to devices is slowly being addressed by the proliferation of many affordable brands in the market.

One of the key findings of the study is that majority of the students have easily adapted to the use of technology in the formal classroom setting. The learners were quiet while exploring the features of the tablet. 

During the study, it was also apparent that the device holds the interest of the pupils a lot longer than their teacher and it was effective in igniting their mind and creativity.

The study showed a marked improvement in the ability of the learner to understand the concept, be it numbers, letters, shapes or colors, using the tablet instead of the usual practice of the teacher explaining to the class, which eliminates opportunities for one-on-one sessions with the pupils.

In fact, the study showed there was a significant increase in mastery learning among the students from when before the tablet was used.

“Access to basic education is the right of the child and should be centered on the unique learning style of each individual child. Alternative delivery mechanisms like computer tablets are tools that help develop a child’s full potential for learning,” said Isberto.

Smart recognizes the crucial role that education plays in nation building. It has been making use of mobile technologies to expand opportunities for learning and in so doing, help enhance the quality of Philippine education.